NOFAS News Room

FASD Widespread Among Inmates, Yet Overlooked Study Says
March 1, 2010

According to a new report, individuals with FASD are at high risk for coming into contact with the criminal justice system, and as a result FASD is pervasive among both male and female inmate populations across the U.S. The report emphasizes an earlier finding that sixty percent of individuals ages 12 and older with FASD have been in trouble with authorities, charged or convicted, at some point in their lifetime.

NOFAS Marks its 20th Anniversary and Sets Priorities for 2010
January 5, 2010

NOFAS has a full slate of FASD education and advocacy action items planned for 2010, the organization's 20th Anniversary. Priorities include the expansion of existing programs and important new initiatives to increase FASD prevention and services. NOFAS needs your support today more than ever to educate the public, professionals and policymakers about the risk of alcohol during pregnancy, help pregnant women stop drinking alcohol and increase access to services for children and adults with FASD.

Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Much Higher than Previously Estimated
December 10, 2009

A comprehensive new study published in the journal Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews finds that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in populations of younger school children may be as high as 2-5% in the United States. This further confirms that the prevalence of alcohol-related birth defects is at least as significant as autism-related disorders, and FASD, by a considerable margin, is the leading preventable developmental disability.

New Affiliate Joins NOFAS Network
November 20, 2009

The Macomb County Fetal Alcohol Resource Education and Support Coalition (The MCFARES Coaltion) has become the NOFAS Michigan affiliate. The MCFARES Coalition provides FASD training, support, information and services throughout the state. It is the twenty-first organization to formally link to NOFAS.

NOFAS Hosts Dinner with Congressman Norm Dicks
November 9, 2009

November 9 -- Congressman Norm Dicks, Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Defense, joined NOFAS board members and key supporters for a far-reaching discussion about alcohol consumption and pregnancy and FASD prevention. Congressman Dicks pledged his commitment to address FASD and he urged NOFAS to work with the Indian Health Service, and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, among other agencies and initiatives.

NOFAS Applauds Hit Television Series for Accurate Portrayal of Alcohol and Pregnancy
October 12, 2009

October 13 -- The October 8th episode of the critically acclaimed NBC comedy series, The Office, featured a scene where Jim announced during a toast to his fiance Pam at their wedding rehearsal dinner that she is not drinking alcohol because she is pregnant. NOFAS commends NBC Universal and The Office for conveying the correct message to its millions of viewers about the importance of abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy.

U.S. Supreme Court May Take Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Case
September 29, 2009

September 29 -- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, the nations leading preventable cause of mental retardation, could be front and center when the Supreme Court opens its new term this fall. The court will consider whether to take up Holmes v. Louisiana, the case of Brandy Aileen Holmes, a 29-year-old woman with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome currently on death row in Louisiana.

NOFAS Appears on NBC's Today Show; Senators Lisa Murkowski and Tim Johnson Sponsor FASD Day Resolution
September 9, 2009

September 9 - NOFAS and FASD organizations from the United States, Australia, the UK, Canada and countries across the globe are today recognizing the 11th Annual FASD Awareness Day. NOFAS Program Director Erin Frey, MD appeared on the Today Show this morning with Al Roker, and Vice President Kathy Mitchell was quoted in a Chicago Tribune story. On Capitol Hill, the United States Senate has passed a resolution sponsored by Lisa Murkowski and Tim Johnson designating today as FASD Awareness Day.

Senator Kennedy and NOFAS
August 26, 2009

August 26 - Senator Edward Kennedy who died today at the age of 77 was an important advocate for the prevention of FASD and all intellectual disabilities and played a leading role in the early days of NOFAS. NOFAS founder Patti Munter appealed to Senator Kennedy and his staff after establishing the organization in Washington in the early 1990s and he and his aides provided critical support and guidance on Capitol Hill. The Senator also hosted at his home the first ever fundraiser for NOFAS.

NOFAS Launches FASD Awareness Day Fundraising Drive
July 21, 2009

July 21 - NOFAS has kicked off a 50-day fundraising drive to raise $9,909 by FASD Awareness Day on September 9, 2009. Proceeds will go towards FASD awareness day activities and to increase outreach and support to FASD families. The fundraising goal represents both the annual date for FASD awareness day and the recommendation for women to abstain from alcohol during the nine months of pregnancy.

NOFAS Celebrates Honorees at Annual Awards Benefit
June 26, 2009

June 26 - Dr. Claire Coles, Barbara Wybrecht, Patton Boggs LLP and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community were recognized this week in Washington, D.C. at the NOFAS Leadership Awards Benefit for their outstanding contributions to FASD prevention, education and advocacy. Ginny Boylan received the NOFAS Service Award for her decade of contributions as a member of the NOFAS board of directors.

NOFAS Celebrates Honorees at Annual Benefit and Hosts FASD Policy Forum
June 23, 2009

June 23 - The annual NOFAS Leadership Awards Benefit hosted by Senator Lisa Murkowski, former Senator Tom Daschle and Linda Hall Daschle is Wednesday, June 24, in Washington, D.C. Tickets for the benefit are $100. Contribute online by clicking on the NOFAS Leadership Awards Benefit link below. Anyone interested in FASD prevention and advocacy is invited as our guest to the policy meeting.

NOFAS Submits Amicus Brief in Death Penalty Case
June 8, 2009

June 8 - NOFAS has submitted an Amicus Curiae brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in support of a petition seeking a Writ of Certiorari to the Louisiana Supreme Court in the case of Brandy Aileen Holmes. Ms. Holmes is a 29-year-old woman with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome currently on death row in Louisiana. The brief was prepared on behalf of NOFAS by Patton Boggs LLP, a top international law and lobbying firm concentrating on public policy, litigation, and business law.

Kathy Mitchell Briefs President Obama on FASD
May 14, 2009

May 14 - NOFAS Vice President and National Spokesperson Kathy Mitchell talked with President Barack Obama today in New Mexico about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). In their conversation, the President recognized the significance of FASD and agreed with Mitchell that much more needs to be done to prevent the disorder and to ensure appropriate services for individuals and families living with the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure.

NOFAS Annual Benefit, Hill Day and Affiliates Summit Set for June 23-24
March 26, 2009

The annual NOFAS Leadership Awards Benefit honoring FASD professionals, advocates and leading public officials will be held the evening of Wednesday, June 24, in Washington, D.C. Senator Lisa Murkowski and Tom and Linda Daschle are among this year's invited honorary hosts. Honorees will be announced in early April. Past NOFAS award recipients include Ken Lyons Jones, Anne Streissguth, Ed Riley and Teressa Kellerman.

Tom Daschle: FASD's Leading Advocate
February 10, 2009

The recent news that Senator Tom Daschle has withdrawn as President Barack Obama's nominee to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the new administration's health care czar was disappointing to the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) community and a setback to all Americans interested in more accessible, more efficient and better quality health care.

An Image of FASD
February 2, 2009

As a teenage volunteer in a Bulgarian orphanage, I learned lifetime lessons about the danger of alcohol for pregnant women and the health of their children. Growing up in Afghanistan, I never knew or could imagine that alcohol could be a harmful substance for pregnant women.

NOFAS Primed for a Successful 2009
January 27, 2009

The New Year brings both challenges and opportunities for NOFAS and our mission of primary prevention and advocacy. Educating the public, professionals, policymakers and the media that women should abstain from alcohol if they are pregnant or could be pregnant, and supporting FASD families in need of resources are atop the NOFAS agenda entering our 20th year.

NOFAS is Grateful for Your Support! Happy Holidays!
December 24, 2008

The current economic conditions have proven challenging for many families and businesses and NOFAS is no exception. We are working overtime this holiday season and into the New Year to increase our reach and the number of families we are helping despite having fewer resources. If you are able to make a year-end contribution, you can make a secure PayPal or credit card contribution at Donate

Senator Lisa Murkowski Applauds Selection of Tom Daschle as Health and Human Services Secretary
December 19, 2008

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, the leading champion of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders prevention and services in Congress, praised President-elect Barack Obamas pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, former Senator Tom Daschle.

U.S. House Leader Steny Hoyer and Former Senator Tom Daschle and Linda Daschle Headline NOFAS Benefit
December 10, 2008

Leading NOFAS supporters and members of its Board of Directors were joined by U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and former Senator Tom Daschle and Linda Hall Daschle at a benefit dinner on Capitol Hill last month to recognize NOFAS achievements and to invest in the important work ahead.

New Research on Light Drinking by Pregnant Women Wrongly Linked to Public Health Message
November 3, 2008

The lead researcher and a majority of media coverage of a newly published study on light alcohol consumption during pregnancy incorrectly suggest that light drinking is without risk, and sends an irresponsible message to the public.

NOFAS Joins CSPI in Support of Alcohol and Pregnancy Warning Signs
October 29, 2008

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), an advocate for nutrition and health, food safety, alcohol policy, and sound science, has released a new State Action Guide on Mandatory Point-of-Purchase Messaging about Alcohol and Pregnancy. The guide is a resource to promote the expansion of state and local policies that mandate point-of-purchase warnings on the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy

Mental Health and Addiction Parity Bill Becomes Law
October 8, 2008

President Bush has signed into law the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The legislation will require insurance companies to place coverage of mental health services and therapeutic alcohol and substance abuse treatment services on par with current medical coverage.

NIAAA Director Retiring: Dr. Ken Warren Named Acting Director
September 18, 2008

Ting-Kai Li, M.D. director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is retiring as of October 31, 2008. Ken Warren, Ph.D., perhaps the worlds foremost expert on the clinical and biomedical research and other facets of FASD and a 2008 NOFAS Excellence Award recipient, has been named Acting Director.

September 9th is International FASD Awareness Day
September 9, 2008

The tenth annual International FASD Awareness Day will be observed on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. NOFAS joins the FASD community in reminding everyone to spread the message to abstain from alcohol if you are pregnant or if you could be pregnant and to end the stigmatization of people with FASD and their families.

FASD in DSM- V
August 29, 2008

NOFAS supports the inclusion of FASD is the DSM-V, the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), expected to be published in 2012.

Josephine O'Brien Tavenner Memorial
July 22, 2008

Josephine Tavenner, the mother of NOFAS Vice President and National Spokesperson Kathy Mitchell, passed away on July 13, 2008 in Olney, Maryland. In tribute to Mrs. Tavenner, NOFAS has established a memorial in her name.

Mother's Risks Last Child's Lifetime
July 20, 2008

Wisconsins tendency to binge drink key in high rate of fetal alcohol cases: NOFAS affiliate Kathy Kidd-Wuest tells the story of her son Justin's and her family's struggles with FAS. Follow the above link and select "Tendency to binge drink key in high rate of fetal alcohol cases" below the picture to read more

CEO Cautions Pregnant Women Against Alcohol
July 19, 2008

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Organisation of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (GOFAS), Mrs. Amonobea Boakye, has said that 'a pregnant woman who has interest in drinking hard drinks during pregnancy will pave way for her baby to develop mental illness and disabilities'.

Water-diffusion Technology Identifies Brain Rections Damaged by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
July 18, 2008

Scientists know that children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) often have structural brain damage. Yet little is known about how white matter connections, and deep gray matter structures that act as relay stations, are affected in children with FASD. A new study has used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to identify several specific white matter regions as well as deep gray matter areas of the brain that appear sensitive to prenatal alcohol exposure.

Prenatal Drinking, Environment Enrichment: Effects on Neurotrophins are Independent of Each Other
July 18, 2008

Prenatal alcohol exposure may be particularly destructive for neurotrophins, a family of peptides that influence the growth, development and functional plasticity of the fetal brain. A new rodent study of alcohol's effects on three key neurotrophins has found that, even though environmental enrichment may be able to improve some fetal-alcohol effects, those benefits do not appear to be mediated by neurotrophins

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Endangers Neurotrophin Levels
July 18, 2008

These peptides are critical for normal development of the brain, study says

NOFAS New York City Benefit
May 20, 2008

Join Benefit Committee Chair Angela Rastegar and Committee Members Rachael Gan, Amy Kaplan, Jake Samuelson and Varteges Saroyan for live jazz music and hors d' oeuvres on Friday, May 30th from 8 to 10 PM at the Cupping Room Cafe.

NOFAS Awards Benefit May 14th
March 17, 2008

The annual NOFAS Leadership Awards Benefit, hosted by Tom and Linda Daschle and Senator Lisa Murkowski, is set for the evening of Wednesday, May 14, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

FASD Myths Perpetuated by Media Coverage
February 12, 2008

Media education and outreach is an important part of the NOFAS mission. Whenever possible, NOFAS responds to inaccurate media reports about FASD and alcohol and pregnancy. NOFAS also responds as appropriate with criticism or praise to portrayals of the issue in television, movies and other media.

NOFAS Needs Your Support!
November 19, 2007

In 2008 NOFAS will continue to help prevent the leading known cause of birth defects and support families living with FASD through public awareness, advocacy and legislative efforts, marketing and dissemination of the FASD K-12 Curricula, trainings, support groups and more. Please consider making an online contribution of $25 or more, using our secure server, to support these important efforts.

NOFAS Capitol Hill Reception
November 8, 2007

On Tuesday, November 13th, NOFAS is hosting a reception to recognize Senators Johnson (D-SD) and Murkowski (R-AK), and Representatives Kennedy (D-RI) and Ramstad (R-MN), and other sponsors of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders legislation.

Senators Tim Johnson and Lisa Murkowski Introduce New FASD Bill
October 10, 2007

On October 4th, U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) introduced Senate bill S. 2141, The Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act. Read more...

Olgoonik is Our Featured Sponsor
August 31, 2007

NOFAS is featuring Olgoonik for their generous donation. Read more...

Addiction Advocate and Presidential Advisor Mike Deaver Dies at 69
August 28, 2007

Michael K. Deaver a well-known addiction advocate and former advisor to President Ronald Reagan died August 18th, 2007 of pancreatic cancer.

United States Senate Passes Resolution Recognizing "National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day"
August 6, 2007

On July 31st, Senator Murkowski introduced Senate Resolution 285 designation September 9th, 2007 as "National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day." Click to read the resolution...

2007 NOFAS Leadership Awards Benefit
August 3, 2007

The 2007 NOFAS Leadership Awards Benefit reception co-hosted by Senator Lisa Murkowski, former Senator Tom Daschle and Linda Hall Daschle held on June 13 in Washington, D.C. was an enormous success. Read more...

2007 NOFAS Leadership Awards Benefit, Hill Day and Affiliates Summit is June 12-13
May 1, 2007

The annual NOFAS awards benefit, FASD advocates Hill Day and gathering of affiliates will take place this year on June 12th and 13th in Washington, D.C. Read more...

NEW MATERIALS NOW AVAILABLE
February 5, 2007

NOFAS has recently published exciting new materials that will help you in your efforts to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): Making a Difference: The FASD Public Awareness Guide and the K-12 FASD Education and Prevention Curricula. Read on for more information...

September 9 is International FASD Awareness Day
September 6, 2006

FASD Awareness Day 2006 marks the 8th anniversary of the first International FASD Awareness Day. Families, caregivers and advocates from all around the world gathered to raise awareness, so that the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol consumption.

NOFAS Briefs Members of the House of Representatives on the Lifelong Effects of FASD
July 13, 2006

On Wednesday, July 19th, The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) hosted a complimentary lunch briefing on the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Senator Byron Dorgan and U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Richard Carmona Receive NOFAS Leadership Awards
June 12, 2006

U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan and U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Richard Carmona were honored by the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) at the annual NOFAS Leadership Awards Benefit on June 7, in Washington, D.C.

NOFAS Annual Affiliate Summit, Hill Day and Awards Benefit Set for June 5-7, in Washington, D.C.
April 26, 2006

The NOFAS 2006 Leadership Awards Benefit will take place on June 7th at the National Guard Association Hall of States. One Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington DC (Near Union Station)from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Read more..

NOFAS Now Accepting Applications for Affiliate Network
April 25, 2006

NOFAS is pleased to announce that the 2006 Affiliate Network application process is now open. NOFAS is grateful to several groups across the country that have expressed an interest in the NOFAS Affiliate Network and to all those that have been successful in their efforts to prevent FASD and care for those living with the disability.

NOFAS Invites You to Join Us for Breakfast on Capitol Hill
April 20, 2006

NOFAS is pleased to invite you as our guest to our spring breakfast for donors, benefit steering committee members and prospective supporters.

Women Under the Influence
February 10, 2006

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University released a revolutionary book yesterday, Women Under the Influence, an exhaustive analysis of substance abuse among women and a product of 10 years of research.

NOFAS Advocacy in 2006
November 21, 2005

There are many important challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Collectively, we must reach an increasingly broader audience with messages about alcohol and pregnancy, enhance our understanding of the disorder through science and research, and engage and activate systems of care and services. We must meet the needs of our friends and families living with FASD, encourage greater attention and investment for the cause, and much more.

Continuing Education Credit Available from the CDC
November 20, 2005

The CDC is offering CME/CME-NP/CNE/CEU on the Report "Guidelines for Identifying and Referring Persons with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome" MMWR 2005:54(No. RR-11) Credit is available through October 28, 2007.

Cards for a Cause: November 10th New York City Fundraiser to Benefit NOFAS
November 7, 2005

NOFAS to host Cards for a Cause to raise money to fight Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders at the Battery Gardens Restaurant in New York City. The first-ever NOFAS New York event will feature four-star cuisine and fantastic live and silent auction items. The top three finishers will win great prizes, including a 32" HD flat screen TV for the winner! Tickets are tax deductible and are $300 to play in the tournament and $150 for dinner guests only. RSVP at cardsforacause@nofas.org

Former Senate Leader Daschle to Debut Award-Winning Public Service Announcement at October 28 Press Conference in Beverly Hills
October 11, 2005

On Friday, October 28th at 11AM, Senator Tom Daschle, former Majority Leader of the United States Senate, will be joined at the Regent Beverly Wilshire by actress Gina Loring to debut a new Public Service Announcement cautioning women about the risk of drinking alcohol while pregnant. The award-winning PSA was produced by Women in Film's Los Angeles Chapter.

Senators Lisa Murkowski and Tim Johnson Re-Introduce Legislation on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
September 21, 2005

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) along with Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) re-introduced the Advancing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Research, Prevention, and Services Act on Monday, September 19, 2005. This bill was originally introduced by Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle in the 108th Congress. Original co-sponsors are Senators Norm Coleman (R-MN), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Chris Dodd (D-CT).

Senator Lisa Murkowski Recognizes International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day on the Senate Floor
September 6, 2005

Caregivers from across the world gathered to raise awareness so that the world would remember International FASD Awareness Day. Senator Murkowski recognized the founders of this day by saying, "There was a small group of parents who were raising children afflicted with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and these parents set out to change the world. That small group started an online support group which quickly became a worldwide grassroots movement to observe this day.

September 9th, 2005 to be commemorated as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day
August 15, 2005

NOFAS is gearing up to observe Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day on September 9, 2005. The ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month has become symbolic of a day that emphasizes on the need for an alcohol free pregnancy. NOFAS to co-sponsor several community based initiatives and local events in Minnesota, South Dakota, Connecticut and Washington.

Women to Address Prenatal Alcohol Exposure at North Carolina Summit
July 13, 2005

July 15, 2005, Washington, DC - The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) will host 'Hope for Women in Recovery: Understanding and Addressing the Impact of Fetal Alcohol Exposure' on July 20th and 21st in Raleigh, North Carolina. The event will bring together women in addiction treatment, state agency representatives, policymakers and other key stakeholders to educate them on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and to facilitate the creation and enhancement of state systems.

Public Service Announcement on Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Wins Award
June 29, 2005

Washington D.C., June 28, 2005 - A new television Public Service Announcement cautioning women about the risk of drinking alcohol while pregnant produced by Women in Film's Los Angeles Chapter for the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) has won the 2005 Gold Aurora Award.

Native American Teens To Be Featured At National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Conference
June 20, 2005

Tribal Youth From NOFAS-Sponsored Peer Education Program To Present FASD Prevention Messages. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Center for Excellence will convene "Building FASD State Systems" in San Antonio, TX June 20-22, 2005.

FAS Families Salute Senator Tom Daschle and Linda Hall Daschle
June 3, 2005

Washington D.C., June 1, 2005 The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) hosted its annual Leadership Awards Benefit on Wednesday, May 18, in Washington, D.C. The event paid tribute to Senator Tom and Linda Daschle for their nearly two decades of continuous commitment and leadership in the fight to prevent alcohol-related birth defects and support families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

NOFAS Gearing Up for its Annual Leadership Awards Benefit and FASD Hill Day
April 25, 2005

NOFAS will hold its Annual Leadership Awards Benefit on Wednesday, May 18, 2005. Honorary Hosts Senator Tom Daschle and Linda Hall Daschle will help honor leaders in the fight to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Coinciding with the Benefit is the Second Annual FASD Hill Day on May 17-18, 2005.

U.S. House of Representatives Staff Briefed on Preventing the Leading Cause of Mental Retardation: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
April 13, 2005

A briefing was held for the U.S. House of Representatives and their staff on the prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), our nations leading known cause of mental retardation. The event was held over a complimentary lunch in the Rayburn House Office Building.

Surgeon General's New Advisory against Women Drinking while Pregnant Wake Up Call for Pregnant Women
March 16, 2005

WASHINGTON - With the recent update of the 1981 Surgeon General's alcohol advisory against women drinking while pregnant, the call of those fighting for complete abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy is vindicated.

In Memory of Dave Duncan
March 10, 2005

NOFAS joins the FASD community in mourning the passing of our dear friend Dave Duncan. Dave and his wife Janet have been incredible advocates for FASD since their son Michael was diagnosed several years ago. Dave and Janet shared a seat on the Maryland FASD Task Force, and were always willing to volunteer their time and personal story in support of the NOFAS mission.
Please click here for information on making a donation in memory of Dave Dun

The Congressional Caucus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
March 1, 2005

The Congressional Caucus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) recently unveiled its new Web site. For the FASD Caucus, which was founded in June of 2004, this is the first public tool to link the Congressional members of the caucus to FASD advocates worldwide. The information and materials presented on this site have the full support of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) and other community stake

NOFAS Advocacy Goals for the 109th Congress
January 28, 2005

This Congress, NOFAS has a number of ambitious goals concerning legislative initiatives, administration activities, and current practices in the medical fields relevant to FASD. Several of these goals have come from experts in the field, whereas others are direct requests from living with some form of FASD. If these objectives are to be accomplished in the coming two years, NOFAS will need the support of individuals, communities, associations, coalitions, and most of all Congress.

NOFAS Affiliate Program
January 11, 2005

WASHINGTON DC On January 11, 2005, NOFAS kicked off the year with the announcement of its new Affiliation Program. Four new affiliates were announced in Washington, Oregon, Connecticut, and Alaska and affiliate agreements with NOFAS' existing three affiliates in Minnesota, South Dakota, and California were reconstituted. These Affiliations will align the objectives of all organizations involved in order to unify the call for prevention, identification

NOFAS and Metro DC Fudrruckers Partner for International FASD Day
September 9, 2004

September 9, 2004, is International FASD Day. This day is purposely chosen as the ninth day of the ninth month to symbolize the nine months of pregnancy and the numerous dangers alcohol poses to an unborn child.

NOFAS Affiliation Program
August 18, 2004

Join NOFAS in our efforts to prevent FASD - the leading preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects. We are pleased to announce our Affiliation Program.

Hope for Women in Recovery National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Hosts Arizona Summit
June 29, 2004

WASHINGTON-On June 29 and 30, the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) hosted a two-day summit at the Regency Hyatt in downtown Phoenix, Ariz., to bring women in treatment together with experts in addiction and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), state legislators and state agencies.

Washington Movers and Shakers to Put Aside Partisan Politics for Good Cause - NOFAS Awards Benefit to Honor Leaders Fighting Against Prenatal Alcohol Use
June 23, 2004

The NOFAS 2004 Leadership Awards Benefit will be the culmination of a day's worth of events that will include a press conference announcing the launch of the Congressional Caucus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), the release of a new report called "Pregnant Women and Alcohol: The Continuing Epidemic" and the release of a framework for upcoming legislation to combat this problem.

Binge Drinking Still Up for Women 18-44 - New Bipartisan Congressional Caucus to Combat Epidemic of Alcohol-Related Birth Defects
June 16, 2004

Capitol Hill press conference to release new report on alcohol use by women of child-bearing age and to announce the formation of the Congressional Caucus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Take Center Stage on Capitol Hill
May 12, 2004

WASHINGTON-Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) took center stage at the Capitol Hill premiere of the Prism Awards with Law and Order: Special Victims Unit winning an award in the category of Drama Series Episode for Television.

NOFAS Applauds Maryland Lawmakers for Taking Action to Combat Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
May 11, 2004

ANNAPOLIS, MD-The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) today applauded Maryland lawmakers for taking action to combat fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Historic Agreement Heralds New Era for Prevention and Treatment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
April 15, 2004

WASHINGTON-At an historic summit hosted by the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS), national experts-including for the first time representatives from the Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Health Canada-came together to produce and sign onto a unanimous agreement on terminology for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Pregnant Women Who Drink Alcohol Need Treatment, Not Prison
March 23, 2004

WASHINGTON-Citing concern that pending laws could open the door for prosecuting women who drink alcohol during pregnancy, the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) today spoke out against the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.

NOFAS Hosts the First Senate Briefing to Increase Awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
February 8, 2004

Washington-The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) will form a panel of experts in the field of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to discuss new implications of the disease on our healthcare, educational, and judicial systems.

Hope for Women in Recovery National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Hosts Summit
September 8, 2003

Washington-On September 8 & 9, NOFAS will host a two-day summit at the Wyndham-Baltimore Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland bringing women in treatment together with addiction and FAS experts, state legislators and state agencies.

Senator Tom Daschle and Linda Hall Daschle Host Leadership Awards Benefit for the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
June 18, 2003

Washington, D.C.-The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) will hold its annual Leadership Awards Benefit on Wednesday, June 18, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at 101 Constitution Avenue NW on Capitol Hill.